Vehicle accessory power connector

ABSTRACT

Power connectors and power adapters for various vehicles including motorcycles, snowmobiles, golf carts, and other off-road vehicles to provide easy access to an electrical system on the vehicle to plug in various accessories, including cell phones, laptop computers, audio systems, communications systems, and the like. Connecting wires with power connectors include various standard-size connectors, including DIN 4165 connectors, SAE two-pin connectors, and cigarette lighter sockets, for example. Specific mounting brackets are disclosed to be utilized in locations on various motorcycles and other off-road vehicles for easy access to the power outlet socket attached to the mounting bracket. Further, various adapter wiring harnesses for changing from one type of connector to another are disclosed, as well as a piece of luggage for carrying all of the accessories, and the luggage piece incorporates a power outlet in the side of the luggage bag. Many embodiments of the above are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/345,023 filed on Jan. 4, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application No.60/367,405 filed on Mar. 25, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/403,697 filed on Aug. 15, 2002, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to electrical connectors adapted to be installedon vehicles, and more particularly to electrical connectors, mountingbrackets and electrically connectable accessory carrying cases thatallow for electrical connections between electrically poweredaccessories and appliances and the power supply on vehicles includingmotorcycles, snowmobiles, wheelchairs, hi-lo's, construction equipment,personal watercraft, boats, among others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable powered accessories have become very popular in the currenteconomy. These portable powered accessories include things such as cellphones, personal audio/CD/MP3 stereo systems, radar detectors, laptopcomputers, and any number of other portable accessories. As more andmore people acquire these accessories, they have desires to become moreand more mobile and they would like to be able to work when they are outon their off-road vehicles, including motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats,or any other vehicle. For instance, 20 years ago real estate executiveswould have to stay in their office in order to make a living. Now,however, such professionals can go on the road on their motorcycle andstill make a living. Manufacturer's representatives and salesmen areable to close deals while out on their boat or out on the road.

However, there is a logistical problem with using all of theseappliances and accessories in that there are no quick and easyelectrical connections to the battery or motor of the vehicle that theyare operating. In four-wheel drive SUV automobiles, there are now optionpackages which make cigarette sockets in multiple configurationspossible. However, for any other type of vehicle, the person using thecell phone or the other appliance is left to their own devices in orderto find a way to recharge the batteries of their accessories and/or useit on the off-road vehicle. For instance, large, land cruisingmotorcycles can be ridden for weeks on end for long trips cross country,and it would be advantageous for the rider to have access to his cellphone, his laptop computer or his personal audio/stereo system.Motorcyclists, snowmobile riders or personal watercraft drivers aregenerally required to either wholly or partially disassemble the tophalf of their vehicles in order to gain access to the battery terminalsfor power charging any of their accessories. That creates a largeproblem for the enthusiast that has all the “toys” he wants to use, butcan't use them while he is riding.

Therefore, it would be an advantage to a motorcyclist, snowmobiler,boater or any other off-road vehicle enthusiast to have at his disposala series of various electrical sockets, accessory outlets and the likefor plugging in all of his appliances and accessories. It would also beadvantageous to have standard sized outlets, sockets and plugs such thatconnectors may be used for a host of appliances and accessories.

As one can imagine, there is a relatively small selection of standardsized sockets and adapters which can be utilized for most of the lowvolt or 12 volt appliances and accessories desirable by these off-roadenthusiasts. For example, conventional heated vests for motorcyclistsare plugged into a power source with a standard SAE two-pin connector.In the past, the way that motorcycle enthusiasts would plug in theirheater vests would be to utilize a connector called a “Battery Tender”,registered trademark to the Battery Tender Corporation of Los Angeles,Calif. which is attached to the battery terminals once, and allows acomplementary SAE two-pin connector plug to hang from the outside of themotorcycle. However, when this SAE connector is not in use, it flaps inthe wind and can chip away at the expensive paint job on the gas tank ofthe motorcycle. It is envisioned by the present inventors that it wouldbe most advantageous to have a well-secured mounted bracket for holdinga standard-sized electrical socket which is then in electricalcommunication with the power system of the motorcycle. Once installed,the socket may be easily accessed by the motorcyclist and anything thatcan be adapted to that connector may be plugged in for use, such as aheat source for the plug-in vest, an electrical source to recharge acell phone, an electrical source for a laptop computer, or as areceiving socket to be used for hooking up a battery charger during thewinter to charge the battery.

More and more off-road vehicle enthusiasts are utilizing navigationalequipment, including global positioning system units, VHF radios and arealso using wireless communication systems between riders on separatevehicles, which can be very important. Further, motorcyclists andsnowmobilers have wireless communication systems to be utilized betweenthe driver and the passenger, as well as the driver of one motorcycle tothe driver or passenger of another motorcycle, or other off-roadvehicle.

When considering all the multitude of low voltage items that can bepurchased, there is a multitude of interconnecting wire which may beutilized. It would be an advantage to an off-road vehicle enthusiast tohave at his or her disposal a series of various electrical sockets,accessory outlets, and adapters for plugging in all of his or herappliances and accessories. It would also be advantageous to havestandard-sized sockets such that the plug-in connectors may be used fora host of low voltage appliances and accessories.

And finally, it would be advantageous to have a vehicle accessory bag,especially in the configuration of a tank bag, which is an accessorycarrying case having a power distribution socket and/or connectorlocated in the side of the bag for housing the many differentaccessories and also for giving a quick and convenient place to plugthem in for recharging or operation. As one can imagine, theconventional automotive connector is a cigarette lighter socket intowhich many automotive related appliances can be plugged. However, foroff-road vehicles, the necessary connectors do not always plug into acigarette lighter socket. Therefore, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a multitude of connections, sockets and means forelectrically connecting various accessories with suitable electricalsources. This may mean the use of various European, Japanese andAmerican connectors, considering that many motorcycles and off-roadvehicle are made in Europe and in Japan. Such standard connectors mayinclude a two-pin SAE connector, a DIN 4165 plug, a standard cigarettelighter socket, a standard female audio input socket, or other commonlyneeded sockets and connectors.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide mountingbrackets for holding the above-mentioned standard-sized connectors inplaces which are convenient for plugging in accessories, without havingto disassemble the off-road vehicle. Further objects and advantages willbe noted in the application as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above-described objects and advantages of thepresent invention, there is provided numerous embodiments of the presentinvention which include basically four different aspects of the presentinvention. First, there is described a series of sockets attached towires which are terminated by connectors for connecting directly to thebattery terminal or power system of the off-road vehicle. Secondly, thepresent invention describes various socket and wire combinations infurther combination with various mounting brackets for making the socketeasily accessible from the outside of the off-road vehicle. Thirdly, acarrying case or piece of luggage adapted for being carried on top ofthe off-road vehicle includes various sockets incorporated into thesides of the luggage piece for easy carrying and plugging in of thevarious accessories. The fourth aspect of the present invention includesvarious adapters for converting one type of connector to another so thatany of the sockets may be utilized with most of the accessories andappliances. Finally, remnant appliances are disclosed which may bepowered by the above electrical sources.

The present invention provides sockets and connectors, combinations ofthem with mounting brackets and in pieces of luggage, as well as otherappliances, all designed to make plugging in one's accessories easy.Convenient locations for use are now available, as well as making theconnections safe, simple and preferably fused. Power can be provided tolow voltage (12 volt) electronic appliances, or to charge the vehiclebattery from an external battery charger. Installation is simple, andthe mountings are designed to fit onto existing brackets and parts, suchas the triple tree mounting unit, or the Harley Davidson horn bracketfit. The vehicle does not need to be permanently modified from itsoriginal condition in order to install the sockets, as there is no needto drill holes in the vehicle, nor to modify the OEM wiring. Theinvention has a clean appearance and is visually pleasing whileproviding the necessary power for accessories, up to 24 volts of currentat 12 volts, to power almost any accessory known.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one of the base embodiments, including a wire havingterminals with an SAE two-pin connected thereto;

FIG. 2 shows a wire with connectors having attached thereto a cigarettelighter socket;

FIG. 3 shows a wire with connectors attached to a DIN 4165 plug;

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment incorporating a DIN 4165 plugattached to two SAE two-pin connectors;

FIG. 5 illustrates a DIN 4165 plug attached to two DIN 4165 sockets;

FIG. 6 is a view of a DIN 4165 socket embedded into a mounting bracketwith a wire connector to be connected to the power system of thevehicle;

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a mounting bracket toattach a DIN 4165 socket to the battery;

FIG. 8 illustrates a DIN 4165 socket connected through the triple treeof a motorcycle handlebar and receiving a cable mount SAE connectoradapter;

FIG. 9 illustrates a combination wiring harness and socket in a mountingbracket;

FIG. 10A shows another embodiment, especially made for Harley Davidsonmotorcycles, including wireless terminal connectors, a socket and amounting bracket for advantageous placement on a Harley Davidson;

FIG. 10B shows a side elevation view of the same embodiment of FIG. 10A,including the placement of the mounting bracket with relation to thehorn on a Harley Davidson;

FIG. 11A illustrates a motorcycle luggage tank bag with the power socketshown directly in the side of the bag;

FIG. 11B is a close-up front elevation view of the mounting bracket usedin conjunction with the tank bag of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is an adapter cord having an SAE connector at one end and acigarette lighter socket at the other;

FIG. 13 is another embodiment wherein an SAE connector is connectedthrough two cables to both a cigarette lighter socket and to another SAEconnector;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a multiple cigarette lighter socketadapter to receive an SAE pin connector;

FIG. 15 is still another embodiment showing an integral component havingan SAE connector at one end and a cigarette lighter socket at the otherend;

FIG. 16 shows a power adapter having SAE connectors cable mounted to oneanother;

FIG. 17A illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention inwhich two SAE connectors are mounted atop a cigarette lighter socket forpower adaption;

FIG. 17B shows the top plan view of FIG. 17A, with the wire connectorshown in phantom;

FIG. 18 is yet another embodiment of the present invention whichincludes a power distribution module;

FIG. 19 illustrates the system of power distribution in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates the electrical schematic of a battery powerdistribution module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic and wiring components for a smart groundswitch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22A illustrates the basic configuration of a horn activated garagedoor opener constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 22B shows a schematic diagram of the control circuit of the garagedoor opener of FIG. 22A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above-described objects and advantages sought bythe present invention, there is disclosed a series of wiring harnesseswith attached electrical connectors, convenient mounting brackets,convenient luggage carriers and various electrical adapters attached toone another either through a cable or wiring harness or by directconnection. As there are many things to describe, we shall begin withthe simplest of the embodiments, which includes a wiring harness with aconnector attached thereto. FIGS. 1 through 5 are adaptations on thisdisclosure and will be described in broad terms, although it must beunderstood that the various connectors, wire harnesses and terminalconnections may be specifically made for specific applications and maybe done so without any undue experimentation.

Mobile accessories have become very important in our society, and theyall need to have power. The present invention provides sockets,connectors, wire and mounting brackets to enable us to plug in all theseaccessories and/or appliances. Although we are not limited to cellphones, stereo systems, digital cameras, video cameras, communicationdevices, as well as portable units as odd as coffee pots, oxygengenerators, medical compressors, sleep apnea machines, among others,they all need to be plugged in so that their operators can go mobile.The present inventors envision that the sockets and connectors can beused on motorcycles, personal watercraft, off-road vehicles,wheelchairs, golf carts, hi-lo's, Segue's (a registered trademark ofDean Kamen and Segue Company), boats, cars, trucks, ATV's, snowmobiles,planes, gliders, parasails, or any other vehicle that has a power supplythat can be tapped into for power.

Handicapped persons that require medical appliances could not go on across-country trip if they could not gerrymander an electrical powersupply. Now, they can bring their appliance and easily plug it into anappropriate socket to tap into their vehicle's power supply. They can dothis now without tearing apart their vehicle. Wheelchairs can now carry12-volt appliances. Hi-lo operators can plug in their communicationssystems so they can hear voices in a noisy factory. This is the rightinvention at the right time.

In that vein, we look first to FIG. 1 which illustrates a wiring harnesswith an attached connector, generally denoted by the numeral 25, inwhich a two-pin SAE connector 10, including a male terminal 12 and afemale terminal 14, is connected to a wiring harness 20. Although it isan option, switched ignition module 30 is shown in line with a switchedignition input one-quarter inch spade terminal 35 attached thereto forplacement and securement within the off-road vehicle. Extending from theignition module 30 is a wire terminating in a ground fork terminal 90.Another wire extending from ignition module 30 extends to an optionalfuse holder 85 having a fuse therein. The fuse may be a replaceable fuseand environmental fuse holder, preferably an ATO or mini-ATO, in therange of from about 3 to about 20 amps, and most preferably includes aweatherproof fuse holder with an ATO 7.5 amp fuse installed therein. Yetanother wire extends from the fuse holder 85 and terminates in a batterypositive fork terminal 92.

The wiring harness 20 may be made of any suitable wire configuration,although it preferably is a single conductor PVC coated wire, or a twoconductor zip cord, preferably in the range of 18 awg to about 12 awgwith a preferred temperature rating of from 80 c to 125 c, and mostpreferably made of one black and one red wire, of a 16-guage, 105c, PVCcovered wiring harness. Wiring harness 20 may also further include asecond protective sheathing that also provides a bundling function, andis preferably wrapped in electrical tape or bound with PVC or anothersimilar tubing, and is most preferably sheathed over with a 105c PVCtubing. Although the ground fork and battery positive fork terminals 90and 92, respectively, are shown as one-quarter inch spade connectors,any suitable connector may be utilized, depending upon the application.In practicing the present invention, one would select whatever type ofelectrical termination connector would be best suited for theapplication at hand. Throughout the description of the presentinvention, there will be wires, such as cabling or wiring harnesses,used throughout and those wires may be any suitable wire and may be ofany particular amperage which is suitable, although the preferred rangesand materials used are described hereinabove. The wires may be solidcore, braided core, stranded wire, or any other suitable wire material.

At the end of wiring harness 20 are the terminals or connectors whichare suitable for all the embodiments of the present invention, and theymay include insulated or non-insulated terminals, and are optionallycolor-coded for easy polarity determinations, or they may be marked inany sort of fashion. In fact, all of the terminals and sockets may becolor coded to closely correspond to the black and red color codestraditionally used in the electrical and electronics fields. It isespecially preferable to mark the two-pin SAE connectors which are usedthroughout the present invention by using a red dot for the positiveside, whether inscribed into the plastic on the positive terminal of theSAE connector, or a raised plus sign, or an indentation, possibly havingsome coloring in order for easy polarity determination. For instance, anoff-road vehicle enthusiast may wish to plug in a heated vest in thedarkness in order to get warm. If there were no lights around, theenthusiast may be able to feel for a raised plus sign, or for anindentation on the positive terminal, in order to be able to correctlyplug in his vest without needing light to determine which was thepositive and negative terminals. At the terminal end of the wire andconnector, the terminals which are preferably used to connect the cableor wiring harness to the battery or other power source are preferablyNo. 8 to three-eighths of an inch ring or fork terminals, and mostpreferably are made of non-insulated quarter-inch fork terminals coveredin red and black shrink tubing to provide insulation and color coding.It is well known in the electrical field that red is the colorrepresenting positive terminals, while black represents ground, ornegative electrical current.

Furthermore, with respect to all of the embodiments, the wire harnessmay be fitted with a rubber boot to protect the connection on the backof the socket and improve the athstetics, whether the boot is straightor is applied at a right angle. The boot may also represent a wire guidesystem to direct the wire back into a position which is most desirablefor use on the off-road vehicle.

Regarding the various socket configurations usable for any of theembodiments of the present invention, the power socket connector may beselected from the group of a DIN 4165 cable mount socket, a standardautomotive cigarette cable mount socket, a two-pin SAE connector, anaudio input or earphone jack plug, or any other standard socket.

Looking next to FIG. 2, there is shown a cable-mounted cigarette lightersocket attached to wire terminal connectors 90 and 92 through a fuse box85. The cigarette lighter socket 50 is adapted to be received withinclip 130 to hold the cigarette lighter socket in place wherever it isdesired to be located. A rubber cap 128 may be configured such that alooped attachment to the cap can be slipped down over cigarette lighter50 such that the rubber cap can be capped over the cigarette lightersocket to keep it clean and dry inside. Wiring harness 20 may be made inaccordance with the wiring harnesses above. The cigarette lighter socket50 is encircled by a rubber boot 52 which is integral with the wiringharness 20. The snap-in clip 130 for cigarette socket 50 includesmounting holes so that the socket can be secured anywhere it is desired,while the wiring harness carries the electrical terminators to thebattery of the vehicle. Wiring harness 20 must be of a sufficient lengthso as to bring the cigarette lighter socket 50 into an easy to accesslocation so that accessories may be plugged into the cigarette lighter.

FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention,including a cable-mounted DIN 4165 socket 55 attached to wiring harness20 and also having electrical connections ground fork and batterypositive fork terminals 90 and 92, respectively. Socket 55 is adapted tobe received within the snap-in clip 135 for a cable mount DIN 4165socket as disclosed in the present invention. An optional fuse holderand fuse 85 may advantageously be adapted into the wire connection fromthe battery.

Looking next to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a DIN 4165 plug 40 havinga positive post 42 and negative spring clips 44 integral therewith. Thewiring harness 20 is comprised of two separate wires, each having an SAEtwo-pin connector 10 attached to the single DIN 4165 plugs 40. Each ofthe SAE connectors 10 includes a male terminal 12 and a female terminal14. This configuration is usable in conjunction with the cable-mountedsocket of FIG. 3. For instance, the spade terminal connectors 90 and 92can be permanently attached to the battery of the off-road vehicle, andcable 20 can bring socket 55 into an easily accessible location on theoutside of the off-road vehicle. Clip 135 will hold socket 55 in placewhile the DIN plug 40 of FIG. 4 can be plugged into the DIN 4165 socket55 of FIG. 3. Then, the two SAE two-pin connectors 10 of FIG. 4 can beattached to other accessories such as two plug-in vests for a driver anda passenger. For other desirable accessory connections, FIG. 5illustrates a similar adapter for taking the DIN 4165 plug 40 andconnecting it via wiring harness 20 to a pair of DIN 4165 sockets 55.Needless to say, the adapters of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be interchanged withvarious connectors and plugs, depending upon the desired configurationwhich is needed for the situation at hand, and for the variousappliances or accessories which need to be plugged in. If the accessoryis of a European nature and has a DIN 4165 plug, then the configurationof FIG. 5 would be desirable. However, in the case of Americanaccessories, such as plug-in vests and other off-road vehicleaccessories, the adapter configuration of FIG. 4 would be mostadvantageous. Wiring harness 20 should be of a suitable length to easilyaccess a battery terminal of an off-road vehicle in order to providepower to the accessories desired.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a DIN 4165 socket which is panelmounted onto panel 140 which can then be placed anywhere on the off-roadvehicle. Panel 140 secures the socket 60 so that the desired accessoriescan be plugged in and unplugged with a great degree of certainty. Asshown in FIG. 6, socket 60 is attached to a lid 62 and mounted to socket60 with a spring 64. Socket 60 has positive and negative quarter-inchspade terminals 70 and 72, respectively, to be attached to positive andnegative female quarter-inch spade connectors 80 and 82, respectively.Once the socket is in place and the spade connectors and terminals havebeen connected, then jam nut 74 is slid into place, holding socket 60within panel 140. Wiring harness 20 extends therefrom and isencapsulated by rubber boot 76 and has ground fork and battery positivefork terminals 90 and 92 extending therefrom. On the battery positiveside 92, an optional fuse holder and fuse 85 may be incorporated toprevent any overloads. Panel 140 may be a separate piece of material, ormay be any panel which is already present on the off-road vehicleitself. Regardless of whether panel 140 is a separate piece which has tobe attached to the vehicle, or if a hole can be placed within a sheetmetal panel already existing on the off-road vehicle, socket 60 can belocated for ease of use. Panel 140 may be incorporated into anycomponent of the vehicle, including the sides, handlebars, the seats,back rests, or any other location on the vehicle.

In yet another embodiment, FIG. 7 shows a similar socket 60 which ismounted through a mounting bracket 142 which is especially designed tobe used behind the passenger side foot peg rest 145 and is adapted to beattached to threaded holes 154 in a tale section subframe 150 for easeof access. The mounting bracket 142 is evened out with a washer 147 suchthat the rear set 145 is evened as it exits the motorcycle or otheroff-road vehicle. Existing bolts 152 are removed from the off-roadvehicle, the mounting bracket is put into place, and then the rear setis secured over the mounting bracket before bolts 152 are reinsertedinto the vehicle. Mounting bracket 142 may be made of any suitableshape, although the shape of a rectangular area with a hole sized toreceive the socket 60 is, of course, advantageous. Needless to say,mounting bracket 142 and washer 147 could be a single piece rather thanthe two pieces shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 142could be numerous numbers of pieces all connected together foradvantageous electrical access.

FIG. 8 illustrates a unique socket adapted to be installed within thesteering head or triple tree on a motorcycle. Socket 60 may include acap 62 which is springably mounted thereon by spring 64. Extendingdownwardly from socket 60 are positive and negative electricalconnectors 70 and 72, respectively, for being connected to the positiveand negative connectors 80 and 82, respectively, which are attached towires within wiring harness 75. The wires extending from the wiringharness 75 are terminated with connectors 90 and 92, and may furtherinclude a fuse holder 85 including a fuse, described hereinabove. Socket60 is sized and adapted to be received within triple tree 160, or mayalso be located in optional mounting location 162 as shown in FIG. 8.Socket 60 is received within steering head tube 165, and brackets may beincluded around the circumference of socket 60 in order to mount thesocket on top of the triple tree 160. If socket 60 is a cigarettelighter socket, most automotive appliances and accessories can bedirectly plugged into the socket. If, however, socket 60 is a DIN 4165socket connector, and other appliances requiring the use of variousconnectors are utilized therewith, adapter 95 can be installed.

For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 8, socket 60 is a DIN 4165socket and is adapted to receive DIN 4165 plug 40 having a positive post42 and negative spring clips 44. This DIN 4165 plug 60 is cable mountedvia cord 20 to another connector, which in this case is a two-pin SAEconnector 10 having a male terminal 12 and a female terminal 14.However, as with the rest of this invention, the SAE connector could beany type of connector desired in order to be able to plug in theappropriate accessory. The method of installation includes removal ofthe triple tree nut which is found on the steering bar on motorcycles,and replacement of that nut with socket 60 and any necessary brackets tosize it to be utilized within that cavity. Steerhead tube 165 is hollow,allowing for the receipt of wires and wire connectors which will behooked up to socket 60. Once socket 60 is secured within the steerheadtube 165, the wiring harness 75 can be tucked away in various otherportions of the motorcycle and connected to the battery terminals inorder to allow for power to be connected through the socket 60.

FIG. 9 shows another especially useful mounting bracket to be used withsocket 60. Mounting bracket 142 has a hole therein for receiving socket60, and socket 60 is secured in place against the mounting bracket 142with a jam nut 74 and is then covered by boot 76. Mounting bracket 142is held against an engine mount 190 with a bolt 192 and secured in placefrom behind with a nut 194. Mounting bracket 142 may be of anyconfiguration, although it is preferably flat stock metal, or highdurometer strength plastic components. For aesthetics, mounting bracket142 is preferably a chromed piece of metal, preferably on the order ofabout one-eighth inch to one-quarter inch thick, and the hole containedtherein is to be sized for receiving socket 60, whether socket 60 is acigarette lighter socket or a DIN 4165 socket. Regardless of whichsocket is utilized, it is preferred to have a cap 62 which can be springloaded over socket 60's opening by a spring 64, in order to keep outwater, dust and dirt. Mounting bracket 142 is preferably made of thisL-shape, although it may be an oval shape or any other suitable shape.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate one of the most useful embodiments of thepresent invention, incorporating socket 60 being held in place onto anelliptical mounting bracket 175. Elliptical mounting bracket 175 isparticularly chosen to be mounted above the horn area, especially onHarley Davidson motorcycles. This allows for easy connection ofaccessories while the driver is operating the motorcycle. Ellipticalmounting bracket 175 is preferably a chromed piece of metal, having ahole therein to receive either a DIN 4165 socket or a cigarette lightersocket, as well as a bolt hole opening at the other end of theelliptical mounting bracket 175. Hole 178 is sized to receive a standardbolt, as shown more clearly hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 10B. Asabove, once socket 60 is placed within socket hole 172, socket 60 issecured in place with jam nut 74. Again, a boot 76 keeps road debris,water and dust out of all of the electrical connections, and isterminated with positive and negative terminal connectors 90 and 92,respectively. FIG. 10A also shows an adapter to convert the DIN 4165socket 60 to an SAE connection with SAE two-pin connector 10 attachedvia cable 20 to DIN 4165 plug 40.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of the mounting bracket and socketconfiguration of FIG. 10A when installed on a motorcycle having a horn184. Horn 184 is attached to horn mounting bracket 182 on an existingmotorcycle, especially Harley Davidson motorcycles. The originalequipment includes a horn-mounting stud 180 and an existing hornmounting bracket 182 with an acorn nut 188 pulling them together. Themethod of installing the present invention at this location includesremoval of acorn nut 188 and placement of a washer 186 and mountingbracket 175 over stud 180 and placing them in direct contact with thehorn-mounting bracket 182 on the motorcycle. Thereafter, the acorn nutis merely reinstalled over the stud 180, and the electrical connectionsfrom socket 60 are woven back through the motorcycle components to thebattery terminals of the motorcycle. This is the method for installingand then securing the wiring harness to the battery terminal such thatcap 62 can be lifted and plug-in accessories can be directly put intothe socket 60.

Further, as it would be advantageous to have a carrying case for all ofthe various accessories, and a place to plug them into, the carrying bag240 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11A and the connection isshown in FIG. 11B. Carrying bag 240 is most commonly referred to as atank bag for motorcycles, and is secured to the motorcycle either viastraps 242 or use of magnets which can also be utilized in place ofstraps 242, holding the tank bag directly to the motorcycle's gasolinetank. Tank bag 240 may be made of any suitable weather resistantmaterial, including leather, nylon, or any other suitable luggagematerial, and may be big enough to carry all the accessories desired fora long trip, including cell phones, laptop computers, coffee pots, andthe other desired appliances and accessories. Zippered pouches orcompartments found in conventional luggage are envisioned for the tankbag of the present invention. In order to provide power to all of theaccessories contained in tank bag 240, there is a tank bag power outletflange 245 with a cap 247 that can be used to cover the connectors 252and 254. Flange 245 is preferably waterproof or water resistant toprevent water from entering the bag. Although any other type of socketarrangement is possible, FIGS. 11A and 11B show the two-pin SAEconnector possibility as SAE two-pin connectors are most commonly usedfor heated clothing or other accessories needed on top of themotorcycle. Needless to say, the tank bang may be used on any othervehicle which was listed above, including boats, wheelchairs,snowmobiles, construction equipment and the like.

Looking again to FIG. 11A, tank bag 240 may be sized ideally forreceiving a laptop computer, and then the other accessories may bestacked on top of them. This way, cell phones, digital cameras and otherelectrical accessories can be recharging while the motorcycle is beingrun. SAE two-pin connector 10, having male plug 12 and female terminal14, can be plugged into the outlet flange 245 and thereby be connectedto another SAE connector which goes inside the tank bag for connectionto any accessories which may be contained therein. External powercord/adapter 285 may be utilized in the event that a different type ofpower cord is to be used.

FIG. 11B shows a close-up view of the tank bag power outlet flange 245and illustrates the relative placement of the SAE connector positive andnegative terminals 242 and 254. A cap 262 is attached to outlet flange245 via a living hinge 264, such that the cap is always available toprovide protection against the outer elements. The attachment apertures260 are holes through which a screw 282 can hold the flange against asecondary backing plate 275 which is to be located inside the tank bag,and held in place with a nut 280. Therefore, the outlet flange 245 is onthe outside of the tank bag incorporating an electrical connector forready access to the driver, while the backing plate 275 secures itwithin the tank bag side, and allows for a wire harness 20 to extendtherein with a connector 10, shown as a two-pin SAE connector in thiscase. This configuration will generally yield a watertightconfiguration. However, it must be realized that any connector can bereplaced with an SAE two-pin connector 10, depending upon the needs ofthe rider. And, of course, any adapter may be utilized in order toprovide the driver with the appropriate appliance. Although the presentinvention envisions a one-piece tank bag with the outlet as part of theside of the case, it is also envisioned that existing tank bags andother pieces of luggage can be retrofitted by making a hole in the sideof the bag, and inserting the outlet flange wire therethrough and willbe secured by backing plate 275. It is specifically contemplated by thepresent invention that tank bag 240 could easily have molded therein anoutlet flange to receive a connector or could have the connectordirectly molded into the tank bag itself.

Looking next to FIG. 12, there is shown an adapter 210 for converting anSAE two-pin connector 10 to a cigarette lighter socket 50, and they areattached by a cable 20. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, there may bea direct connection between an SAE connector 230 and a cigarette lightersocket 50 without cable 20. In this configuration, all the wiring ismade within the one piece component, so no external wire harnesses arenecessary. In fact, for all the above and below adapters, it isplausible that the connectors can be molded into one piece as shown inFIG. 15, such that there is no cable necessary.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown an SAE connector adapter 212,in which the SAE two-pin connector 10 is hooked up to a cigarettelighter socket 50 and an SAE two-pin connector 10 via two cables 20.These cable-mounted systems may utilize all of the connectors describedabove, and may utilize any of the wiring configurations also describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 though 5. As envisioned by the presentinventors, any number of connectors can be joined to any otherconnector, including, but not limited to, SAE two-pin connectors cablemounted to at least one other connector, thereby adapting the electricalconnection for various applications. As shown in FIG. 3, there are twocable-mounted adapters, although there may be three or more adaptersready to accept plugs from various accessories.

Looking now to FIG. 14, there is shown a cigarette socket power strip225 which includes numerous cigarette sockets 227, shown here in thenumber of four, but may be of any number of connectors, with an SAEconnector 230 having male and female terminals 12 and 14 extending fromthe side of the power strip 225. SAE connector 230 is wired to each ofthe cigarette sockets 227, thereby providing power to each of thesockets 227 when an electrical supply has been plugged into the SAEconnector 230. Again, cigarette sockets 227 may also be at least one DIN4165 socket(s), or any other type of connector which may be desirable.

FIG. 16 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention in whichtwo SAE cable-mounted connectors 10 have a marked portion 232 on thepositive terminal 12. In FIG. 16, the marking is shown as anindentation, but may be any marking. This identification of the positiveterminal can make for quick and easy connections with an SAE connector,such that the polarities will never be reversed. This may be especiallyuseful when one is trying to make an electrical connection in the dark,such as when you are trying to plug in a light, as described more fullyhereinbelow. With the SAE two-pin connector 10, there is shown the maleterminal 12 in addition to the female terminal 14. Marking 232 may belocated at either the positive or the negative polarity of the cablemount SAE connector 10, so long as they are consistently marked. It isenvisioned that only the positive terminal would be marked, so thatpersons would always know which end was positive. Marking 232 may alsobe made of a raised positive sign, or any raised design molded directlyinto the housing of the SAE connector 10. Furthermore, if marking 232 ispainted with red paint, thereby indicating a positive terminal, it isvisually much easier to determine which positive terminal should beplugged into.

FIG. 17A shows another embodiment of the present invention with two SAEconnectors molded directly into a housing of a cigarette lighter socket50. Again, cigarette lighter socket 50 may also be a DIN 4165 socket, orthere may be several sockets contained in the body, with the multipleSAE connectors on the top. Notice the positive terminal indicator 232 sothat a user is certain as to what the polarity is prior to his pluggingin the device. FIG. 17B shows a top plan view of the device of FIG. 17A,and shows the molded symbols 232 for the positive polarity, in additionshowing the cigarette socket positive contact 234 and the cigarettesocket negative contact 236. The internal contact connections 238 areshowed in phantom in order to indicate their relative placement. In theevent of utilization of multiple cigarette lighter sockets 50, therewould be multiple connectors attaching to the internal contactconnections 238 for each of the sockets 50.

Looking now to FIG. 18, there is shown yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, a power distribution module generally denoted by thenumeral 300 which includes at least one female socket connector 305extending therefrom. The female socket connector 305 may be a standardsocket readily available in the industry for receiving an audio headsetplug male connector 310. It is common for the male connector 310 to havea right angle adapter 315, so that when the plug 310 is plugged intosocket 305, the cord attached thereto does not extend outwardly, butrather at a right angle so that it is out of the way. Another feature ofthe power distribution module 300 may include a battery charge indicator324, which can include red, yellow and green light indicators similar toa traffic light, such that the amount of charge left in the vehiclebattery can easily be discerned by looking at the front panel of thepower distribution module 300 and reviewing whether the red, yellow orgreen indicator light is turned on.

FIG. 18 also may include any number of other possible connectors, suchas cigarette lighter socket 50, either singly or in combination with thefemale audio socket connectors 305. The female audio socket connectors305 may also be connected to a noise filter circuit 320 and/or a DCstepdown converter 322. Both of the circuit 320 and the converter 322are readily available at electronics stores, and have been installedhere to provide a total package of electrical supply along with otherdesirable electronic features. Additional standard, readily available,electronic features may also be contained within the power distributionmodule 300 as they may be needed. The female socket connector 305 isstandard in the audio electronics field, and when connected to the two-pin SAE connector 10 as shown in FIG. 18, will provide power to theaudio device. In this particular embodiment, it is envisioned that theSAE connector 10 will be able to be plugged into the outlet flange ofthe tank bag configuration, or any of the other adapters disclosedhereinabove. If the power distribution module 300 is located within thetank bag, then various accessories such as a cell phone or digitalcamera can be recharged while the driver and passenger of the motorcyclecan be listening to the stereo while they are driving down the road.Further, if the power distribution module 300 is installed on a personalwatercraft or snowmobile, their cell phone can be recharging while theyare listening to a radio as they are scooting across the lake or thesnow.

FIG. 19 illustrates a combination of various embodiments possible forthe present invention, showing the relative placement of a powerdistribution module 330 within a tank bag 240, and further connected toa helmet 350 having a commercially available battery-operated shortrange communicator incorporated therein. As wireless communicationsbecome more and more prevalent in the off-road vehicle market, means forplugging them in will become more important. Short range wirelesscommunications are very beneficial to riders and passengers of theseoff-road vehicles because the driver and the passenger need to speak toeach other, and while they are riding on the vehicle, it is nearlyimpossible to hear each other shouting over the wind rushing past them.For such a short range wireless communication, the present invention isespecially useful. A power module 330 is shown having three (3)cigarette lighter sockets 335 and four (4) female audio input phonejacks, all connected to an SAE connector 230 in the side of the powermodule. Needless to say, there can be any combination of sockets andconnectors that have been discussed above. Into the audio input jacks341 are shown plugged in three (3) common accessories, i.e. a cell phone342, a radar detector 344, and a personal audio player 346, possibly aCD player, MP3 player or cassette player. Other accessories orappliances are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 19, tank bag 240 is described hereinabove withreference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, as is the wire and connector combination25, including a SAE connector 10 with wire 20 attached. In thisembodiment, a switched ignition module 30 is useful because the switchedignition module will act to interrupt the signal being put out by thepersonal audio player 346 when either the driver or the passenger speakinto their microphone 357, and so that the other person can hear thevoice of the communicator through the audio headset 355 incorporatedinto the helmet 350. The power distribution module 330 can be placedinto the tank bag 240 along with the accessories and all their cords.Ease of access and adjustment are possible as the driver of the vehicleneeds only to lift up the top of the tank bag, and plug/unplug or adjustany of the enclosed accessories.

FIG. 20 illustrates the electrical schematic of one of the powerdistribution modules, and is generally designated numeral 96. Powermodule 96 may include a +12VDC in terminal 98, along with a +12VDC outterminal 99. A ground terminal 100 for accessories is in electricalcommunication with a vehicle chassis ground terminal 102 for propercontact. A series of fuse terminals 103 may be incorporated into theelectronics for receipt of a plug-in fuse 104 to be connected to themain fuse or breaker 105. Relay or solid state switches 106 areconnected to the fuses 104. A current sensor circuit 108 may also beincluded, and is in electrical communication with a relay 106 and aswitched ignition input terminal 35, which may be made of a one-quarterinch spade terminal connector. An optional external control switch 109may also be included, and may be connected via a control switch terminal110.

FIG. 21 illustrates the electrical schematic diagram for a smart groundswitch generally denoted by numeral 112, to be optionally used inconjunction with the other connectors of the present invention. Smartground switch 112 includes a field effect transistor 113 and resistors114 in conjunction with a ground wire input terminal 115. A switchedignition input terminal 35 may be used to connect the smart groundswitch 112 to a female connector 120, preferably one-quarter inch spadeconnectors, respectively. An optional external control switch 109 mayalso be included between the female connector 120 and a female to maleadapter 122, preferably a female/male one-quarter inch spade adapter,which is then connected to a male connector 121 from a halogen lamp 124.An existing headlight wire 126 is connected to a female connector 120 tobe attached to the female/male adapter 122. The halogen lamp 124 may beused to illuminate anything the driver wants, and may be used inconjunction with the other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 22A illustrates the final embodiment of the present invention whichis a horn switch activated garage door opener for a vehicle rider to beable to activate his garage door opener transmitter without having toget off his vehicle and also without having to carry his garage dooropener on his vehicle separately. The functional design of the controlelectronics is shown in FIG. 22B, and provides the multi-functional useof the originally equipped horn button of the vehicle with a functionthat will not only activate the originally provided horn, but will alsoactivate an added-on garage door opener transmitter. FIG. 22A shows theoriginal wire harness 400 attached to a control circuit 410, describedmore fully hereinbelow, and door opener transmitter 420, both of whichare attached to the originally equipped horn 430 of the vehicle.

FIG. 22B illustrates the control circuit 410 in detail, and has a switchwhich may be used to select between various settings, including a firstsetting of “no horn delay” and a second setting of “horn delay”. A knobmay be included to adjust how much horn delay is desired. In the no-horndelay mode, the operator presses the horn button momentarily to activatethe door opener circuit which stores enough energy to transmit thegarage door opener. The horn will also sound. The operator would selectthis mode if instantaneous horn sound would be desired. However, on theother hand, if the horn delay mode is selected, incorporating a slightdelay on the order of a several hundred milliseconds, then the garagedoor opening can be accomplished without sounding the horn. By pressingthe horn button momentarily, this will only open the garage door. Theoperator can choose which option is best suited to his needs.

Therefore, the many embodiments of the present invention have beenpresented in enough detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art toreproduce the invention without undue experimentation. The presentinvention achieves the above described objects and advantages beingsought above, and solves new problems not yet encountered. Although thepresent invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments,the scope of the invention may not be so limited, as there are manyadaptations and permutations which may become clear to one of ordinaryskill in the art after reviewing all the above disclosed inventions. Thepresent invention shall only be limited in scope by the appendant claimswhen taken in conjunction with the above description and the attacheddrawings.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention finds industrial utility for providing easy toaccess power connectors on off-road vehicles in order to be able to plugin various accessories which are commonly used by the public whenutilizing off-road vehicles. The present invention finds particularutility with regards to motorcycles, but may be used in any otherapplication.

1. A vehicle tank bag for carrying and electrically connecting vehicleaccessories with plug-in jacks, comprising: a tank bag adapted forsecuring to a desired vehicle, said tank bag including a compartment forholding vehicle accessories and other articles; a mounting bracket to besecured through the tank bag, said mounting bracket being adapted toreceive and secure at least one power output connector in a location onthe tank bag for easy access of plugging in a jack from a vehicleaccessory; at least one power input connector located within thecompartment of the tank bag, said connector being selected from thegroup consisting of a SAE two-pin connector, a cigarette lighter socket,a DIN 4165 connector, or combinations thereof; a wiring harnessconnected to the power input connector; at least one battery terminalconnector for electrically connecting a vehicle battery to the tank bagand the power input connector contained therein; and at least one poweroutput connector for receiving the plug-in jacks of the desired vehicleaccessories, said power output connector being selected from the groupconsisting of cigarette lighter sockets, DIN 4165 sockets, audio inputsockets, and two pin SAE connectors; such that the tank bag can besecured to the vehicle, and electrical connections may be made throughthe tank bag to various vehicle accessories without having todisassemble any or all of the vehicle to get to its battery to power theaccessory.
 2. The tank bag of claim 1, wherein the tank bag may be acloth tank bag with an upper compartment.
 3. The tank bag of claim 1,wherein the tank bag further includes a wireless communication modulewithin the tank bag for wireless communications between the driver andothers, including passengers and remote parties.
 4. The tank bag ofclaim 1, wherein the tank bag further comprises an automatic audioswitch connected to a headphone music system to switch between music andother audio signals including speech and announcements that may beneeded.